Marquis De Laplace. ^ 201 



phy. If we may here be permitted to express a personal opi- 

 nion, we may add, that the solution of one of the principal ques- 

 tions, that which the illustrious author has treated in the 18th 

 chapter of his work, does not appear to us exact ; but, taken 

 all in all, this work is one of the most precious monuments of 

 his genius. 



After having mentioned such brilliant discoveries, it would 

 be useless to add, that Laplace belonged to all the great aca- 

 demies of Europe. 



I might also, and perhaps ought to, mention the high poli- 

 tical dignities with which he was invested ; but such an enu- 

 meration would only have an indirect reference to the object 

 of this discourse. It is the great geometer whose memory we 

 now celebrate. We have separated the immortal author of 

 the Mecanique Celeste from all accidental facts which con- 

 cern neither his glory nor his genius. Of what importance 

 indeed is it to posterity, who will have so many other details 

 to forget, to learn whether or not Laplace was for a short 

 time the minister of a great nation. What is of importance 

 are th^ eternal truths which he discovered ; — the immutable 

 laws of the stability of the world, and not the rank which he 

 occupied for a few years in the conservative senate. — What is 

 of importance, and perhaps still more so even than his dis- 

 coveries, is the example which he has left to all those who 

 love the sciences, and the recollection of that incomparable per- 

 severance which has sustained, directed, and crowned so many 

 glorious efforts. 



I shall omit, therefore, all the accidental circumstances and 

 peculiarities which have no connection with the perfection of 

 his works. But I will mention, that in the first body in the 

 state the memory of Laplace was celebrated by an eloquent and 

 friendly voice, which important services rendered to the histo- 

 rical sciences, to literature, and to the state, have for a long 

 time illustrated.* 



I shall particularly mention that literary solemnity which 

 attracts the attention of the capital. The French Academy, 

 uniting its suffrages to the acclamations of the country, consi- 



* M. Le Morquis Pastoret. 



